Amy Winehouse’s Father Wants to Help Educate UK Youth About Drugs

Most of us are familiar with the recent death of musician’s recent death, which took place after a long battle with drug and alcohol addiction.

Now, her father is hoping to make an impact in the lives of young people, and prevent this from happening to them.

Winehouse is planning to send drug counselors to schools in UK cities that are seeing the highest number of drug related deaths, two of those cities being Brighton and Hove. He feels that the more “educated and engaged” the students are, the better chance they have at avoiding a potentially deadly struggle with addiction.

“The fact is kids don’t want to be told they shouldn’t be taking these drugs,” said Winehouse. “They just need to be educated about the dangers so they are empowered to make their own decision.”

The plan is to have the counselors and representatives in the schools by the end of the year.

Along with the Amy Winehouse Foundation, Mr. Winehouse also voiced his support for other charities with the same goal in mind. The Angelus Foundation was started following the death of a medical student from University of Sussex. Hester Stewart’s death occurred in 2009 after taking the drug GBL.

The Angelus Foundation is also pushing for more programs that raise drug awareness in schools throughout the area.

With drugs use invading schools, these organizations hope to expose the hidden dangers that some students may not see. We can only hope to see more programs like this spread through schools.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please contact us.

Comment Via Facebook

Lisa, writes:
Cindy, I recently learned that my daughter is addicted to Cocaine. What is an effective treatment?

Cindy, writes:
Lisa, residential treatment programs with planned lengths of stay offer the best alternative to those in need of treatment for cocaine addiction. These programs are often comprehensive, in that they focus on therapy and re-socialization.

Julie writes:
Hi Cindy, my son Brent needs help. He is 25 years old and has been struggling with a heroin addiction. This has been going on for a few years, and things are going downhill very fast now.
I know he is a good person inside, but somewhere along the way he has turned into someone I don’t even recognize anymore. He has told me that he is willing to go to treatment, but we are having trouble locating the right treatment center.
We are trying to find a place close to home so I can visit him, and be here for him. I know he doesn’t want to leave home, and it is also important to me to be close to him during this process. I have researched your facilities, and they look great. I just worry about sending my son so far away. Can you help us?

Cindy writes:
Thank you for your questions Julie. I realize your concerns about out of state treatment for your son. However, there are many benefits to seeking treatment away from home. Often, what the addict needs is a fresh start, to get away from the environment they are accustomed to.
One of the most important steps towards Brent’s recovery will be removing him from the environment that has proven to be harmful to his health. Choosing to seek treatment out of state will help eliminate any distractions a facility close to home may offer.
The possibility of meeting up with old friends while in treatment near home can be dangerous for those in recovery. With your son in a new state, away from familiar areas and reminders of drug use, the temptation to leave treatment early is greatly reduced. Being placed in a new, healthy environment will give your son a chance to focus solely on himself, and his recovery.
Although the distance can be hard for a parent, it may very well be your son’s best chance for recovery.